WC-MOTD11
Day 11:-
USA vs. Portugal:-
It is “half-time” at the WC already and tonight we were given another reminder as to how powerful the spirit of football can be!
Both coaches were forced to make some (fundamental?) changes to their respective teams’ formations and tactical set-ups; as both squads suffered recent injury setbacks.
The match’s tempo and overall shape was not even settled yet when Portugal already found the net; with the US defense struggling to clear a long ball inside their own box for Nani to capitalize and make it 1-0.
Portugal’s early high-press game seemed to be working well as the US team struggled to cope with the pressure and always seemed nervous whenever they got on the ball.
That, however, did not last too long as the Americans began to go forward with real bravery; refusing to hold back and somewhat silencing Portugal for a good chunk of the first half following the first goal.
Portugal’s attacking front were switching sides to probe for spaces as they looked to penetrate the US’ defense when they had possession. Team USA were, on the other hand, lacking a good element of creativity in midfield as they failed to really open-up play and spark proper attacks.
The final stages of the first half witnessed the US limiting themselves to shots from distance, while Portugal were, more or less, impotent in attack as they seemed too passive in their play.
All in all, the half started really brightly but both teams proceeded to slowing the game’s tempo amidst the hot and humid conditions in Manaus. Portugal were playing in a more compact manner but they were in dire need of more width; as Ronaldo was moving more and more into central areas.
Meanwhile, the US attacked well but weren’t able to produce proper chances in the opposition’s box as they opted for long shots more often than not.
It was rather clear shortly after the start of the second half that the US were lacking real physical presence in Portugal’s defensive zones; with Dempsey carrying too much on his shoulders in terms of attacking responsibilities.
Portugal began the second half by imposing a more vibrant playing style and looking to enforce a more dynamic offensive approach.
The US slowly grew into the game as they launched counter-attacks rather well; but they were being somewhat wasteful in front of goal.
There was a recurring theme among Portugal’s play in which they were constantly avoiding playing on the wings and focusing more on cutting through the middle of the US’s midfield and defense; a rather counter-productive tactic given the quality of players they have on the flanks!
Jones’ (deserved) equalizer gave the US confidence and they became more comfortable with the way the game was going. It also saw Portugal commit more bodies forward which pretty much emptied out their central midfield areas as they went for the win (consequences soon!).
The final phase of the game involved Portugal double-pressing the US defenders from the get-go as they tried to close down spaces as soon as possible. It was actually working well but whenever they retained possession and went forward, they were too timid in front of goal as the nerves started creeping up on them.
The aforementioned consequences came in the shape of Jones gaining ground on Portugal’s shallow midfield and playing the ball wide to the speedy Yedlin, and the rest was just a blur for Portugal’s defense as the US went 2-1 up.
A moment of creative brilliance from Ronaldo combined with a lapse in concentration, as well as exhaustion, from the USA’s defenders saw Portugal grab a very late equalizer to deny the US a deserved win!
On a whole, the US were the better team on the night; for they showed real spirit, hunger and tenacity going forward and just came closer and closer with every attack.
Portugal have only themselves to blame for some poor defending, a lack of creativity in midfield, their inflexibility of play by insisting on vertical, central attacks and the fact that they were not lethal in front of goal. It is worth mentioning that they are rather unfortunate for the ridiculous amount of injuries they have suffered so far.
Man of the match: Jermaine Jones: A great all-round performance from the midfield man; as he was involved in both of Team USA’s goals.
USA vs. Portugal:-
It is “half-time” at the WC already and tonight we were given another reminder as to how powerful the spirit of football can be!
Both coaches were forced to make some (fundamental?) changes to their respective teams’ formations and tactical set-ups; as both squads suffered recent injury setbacks.
The match’s tempo and overall shape was not even settled yet when Portugal already found the net; with the US defense struggling to clear a long ball inside their own box for Nani to capitalize and make it 1-0.
Portugal’s early high-press game seemed to be working well as the US team struggled to cope with the pressure and always seemed nervous whenever they got on the ball.
That, however, did not last too long as the Americans began to go forward with real bravery; refusing to hold back and somewhat silencing Portugal for a good chunk of the first half following the first goal.
Portugal’s attacking front were switching sides to probe for spaces as they looked to penetrate the US’ defense when they had possession. Team USA were, on the other hand, lacking a good element of creativity in midfield as they failed to really open-up play and spark proper attacks.
The final stages of the first half witnessed the US limiting themselves to shots from distance, while Portugal were, more or less, impotent in attack as they seemed too passive in their play.
All in all, the half started really brightly but both teams proceeded to slowing the game’s tempo amidst the hot and humid conditions in Manaus. Portugal were playing in a more compact manner but they were in dire need of more width; as Ronaldo was moving more and more into central areas.
Meanwhile, the US attacked well but weren’t able to produce proper chances in the opposition’s box as they opted for long shots more often than not.
It was rather clear shortly after the start of the second half that the US were lacking real physical presence in Portugal’s defensive zones; with Dempsey carrying too much on his shoulders in terms of attacking responsibilities.
Portugal began the second half by imposing a more vibrant playing style and looking to enforce a more dynamic offensive approach.
The US slowly grew into the game as they launched counter-attacks rather well; but they were being somewhat wasteful in front of goal.
There was a recurring theme among Portugal’s play in which they were constantly avoiding playing on the wings and focusing more on cutting through the middle of the US’s midfield and defense; a rather counter-productive tactic given the quality of players they have on the flanks!
Jones’ (deserved) equalizer gave the US confidence and they became more comfortable with the way the game was going. It also saw Portugal commit more bodies forward which pretty much emptied out their central midfield areas as they went for the win (consequences soon!).
The final phase of the game involved Portugal double-pressing the US defenders from the get-go as they tried to close down spaces as soon as possible. It was actually working well but whenever they retained possession and went forward, they were too timid in front of goal as the nerves started creeping up on them.
The aforementioned consequences came in the shape of Jones gaining ground on Portugal’s shallow midfield and playing the ball wide to the speedy Yedlin, and the rest was just a blur for Portugal’s defense as the US went 2-1 up.
A moment of creative brilliance from Ronaldo combined with a lapse in concentration, as well as exhaustion, from the USA’s defenders saw Portugal grab a very late equalizer to deny the US a deserved win!
On a whole, the US were the better team on the night; for they showed real spirit, hunger and tenacity going forward and just came closer and closer with every attack.
Portugal have only themselves to blame for some poor defending, a lack of creativity in midfield, their inflexibility of play by insisting on vertical, central attacks and the fact that they were not lethal in front of goal. It is worth mentioning that they are rather unfortunate for the ridiculous amount of injuries they have suffered so far.
Man of the match: Jermaine Jones: A great all-round performance from the midfield man; as he was involved in both of Team USA’s goals.
Ahmad Al-Omar - 23. Jun, 00:14
